GOP Prepares for Possible Alito Retirement Before Midterms

Speculation is swirling in Washington over whether Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito might retire at the end of the current term in late June or early July, prompting Republican leaders to signal their readiness to confirm a replacement before the November midterm elections.

President Donald Trump addressed the rumors during an interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, stating he has no specific knowledge of an impending vacancy but remains prepared to nominate a successor. "It's possible, in theory, it's two or three they tell me," Trump said, referring to potential retirements among the court's senior members. He added that Alito, 76, is "a great justice" and expressed hope that he would remain on the bench. Justice Clarence Thomas, 77 and the court's longest-serving member, has repeatedly dismissed similar speculation about his own future, with no public indications from either justice of plans to step down.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the party's contingency planning during comments to reporters on Tuesday. "That's a contingency I think around here you always have to be prepared for," Thune said. "And if that were to happen, yes, we would be prepared to...